Mother to replace Green Party nominee for Senate

Kenniss Henry steps in after daughter Natasha Pettigrew was killed in accident

September 29, 2010|By Julie Bykowicz, The Baltimore Sun

The Maryland Green Party has nominated Kenniss Henry to replace her daughter, Natasha Pettigrew, on the ballot for U.S. Senate, the party announced Wednesday. Pettigrew died this month after a sport utility vehicle struck her while she was cycling in Prince George's County.

Henry's name was submitted Monday to the Maryland State Board of Elections for the seat long held by Democratic Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski. The party's coordinating council voted unanimously Sunday night to nominate Henry.

"Natasha's supporters will still have an opportunity to make their voice heard by casting a vote as her mother carries her message forward to the election," Karen Jennings, co-chairwoman of the Maryland Green Party, said in a statement. "Even in her death, Natasha's voice and passion will carry on."

Henry said she is honored to run her "daughter's race to the finish line." She said in a statement she would continue her daughter's theme of campaigning "for the people."

Pettigrew, a 30-year-old law student at the University of Miami, was training for a half-triathlon when she was killed. In honor of her daughter, the Green Party said, Henry seeks to bring attention to bicycle safety and the need for bicycle lanes on all Maryland roadways.

The Maryland State Police are investigating the Sept. 19 accident. Police said the driver of the Cadillac Escalade that struck her before dawn on Route 202 drove off, thinking she'd hit an animal. The woman called the police when she arrived home and found a bicycle lodged under her vehicle.